The Palais Garnier, also known as the Paris Opera, is a 1,979-seat opera house located at the Place de l'Opéra in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, France. It was built from 1861 to 1875 for the Paris Opera by the architect Charles Garnier.
The construction of the Palais Garnier began in 1861 under the reign of Emperor Napoleon III. The project was part of Baron Haussmann's renovation of Paris, which sought to modernize the city. The original design by Charles Garnier was chosen from among 171 proposals in a competition held in 1860. The building was officially inaugurated on January 5, 1875, with a performance of La Juive by Jacques Fromental Halévy.
The Palais Garnier is a prime example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Its opulent design features include:
While the Paris Opera now primarily uses the newer Opéra Bastille for its performances, the Palais Garnier still hosts ballet performances by the Paris Opera Ballet, operas, concerts, and other cultural events. It is also a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year to its architectural splendor.